Over 25 years ago, Smartwool invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of the Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.
Over 25 years ago, Smartwool invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of the Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.
Over 25 years ago, Smartwool invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of the Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.
Over 25 years ago, Smartwool invented the original Merino wool performance sock—the Classic Hike. The Classic Hike remains mostly unchanged and certainly unmatched in comfort. But today, it’s getting upgraded. And that upgrade starts with recycled nylon—creating a more sustainable (but just as comfortable) sock. They’re also made with responsibly sourced, ZQ-certified wool that was grown with a focus on ensuring environmental, social, and economic sustainability while also taking the best care of the Merino sheep. This is a cozy, capable classic that is never going out of style.
Last updated at 05/11/2026 04:39:20
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks Taupe / Extra Large - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Smartwool Classic Hike Light Cushion Crew Unisex Socks [Colour:Taupe][Size:XL]
Delivery $9.95
Smartwool Classic Hike Light Cushion Crew socks Taupe XL
SmartWool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks - SS26 SMA920 Men's | Size EU XL in Taupe
Delivery $29
originally posted on smartwool.com
BRING BACK THE ORIGINAL VERSION:Disappointed in quality relative to the originals, which I have had for years. Unlike the originals, the socks don't stay up. They seem to have less wool and/or weaker nylon or elastic than the original. Here is the current composition: Knit in USA of Imported Yarn: 56% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane. If this is different than the original, that may explain the issue I am having. I will not be buying these again unless this problem is addressed.
originally posted on fleetfarm.com
I have used all kinds of socks throughout the years. I am an avid hunter/hiker. I have used other cheaper wool socks and was never impressed. I purchased these and the heavier version for colder days and could not be more impressed. The socks are warm even when damp when hiking hard. They dry super quick after hiking for 3-4 hours they dry while just doing normal camp setup chores and your feet stay warm and don't get cold from wet socks. They also are very cushiony and I have suffered from blisters in the past while hiking from wet socks and even when these get damp I have yet to get a blister and have been using them extensively for hunting/hiking over the last year and will never go back to other socks.
originally posted on smartwool.com
I ordered this pair of Hike Classic Light Cushion directly from SmartWool ,com. They are not the same quality product that SmartWool socks were 10 plus years ago. There is fuzzy threads showing on the outside of the socks along the seam line of the foot area. The fit is not as snug as the older socks were.
| Sock Height | Mid Calf |
| About Nightgear | About us |
Smartwool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks Taupe / Extra Large - Valhalla Tactical & Outdoor
Delivery $15
Smartwool Classic Hike Light Cushion Crew Unisex Socks [Colour:Taupe][Size:XL]
Delivery $9.95
Smartwool Classic Hike Light Cushion Crew socks Taupe XL
SmartWool Hike Classic Edition Light Cushion Crew Socks - SS26 SMA920 Men's | Size EU XL in Taupe
Delivery $29
BRING BACK THE ORIGINAL VERSION:Disappointed in quality relative to the originals, which I have had for years. Unlike the originals, the socks don't stay up. They seem to have less wool and/or weaker nylon or elastic than the original. Here is the current composition: Knit in USA of Imported Yarn: 56% Merino Wool, 11% Nylon, 31% Recycled Nylon, 2% Elastane. If this is different than the original, that may explain the issue I am having. I will not be buying these again unless this problem is addressed.
I have used all kinds of socks throughout the years. I am an avid hunter/hiker. I have used other cheaper wool socks and was never impressed. I purchased these and the heavier version for colder days and could not be more impressed. The socks are warm even when damp when hiking hard. They dry super quick after hiking for 3-4 hours they dry while just doing normal camp setup chores and your feet stay warm and don't get cold from wet socks. They also are very cushiony and I have suffered from blisters in the past while hiking from wet socks and even when these get damp I have yet to get a blister and have been using them extensively for hunting/hiking over the last year and will never go back to other socks.
I ordered this pair of Hike Classic Light Cushion directly from SmartWool ,com. They are not the same quality product that SmartWool socks were 10 plus years ago. There is fuzzy threads showing on the outside of the socks along the seam line of the foot area. The fit is not as snug as the older socks were.
These classic light hiking socks are my favorite socks. I have worn them for many years with work oxfords (large animal veterinarian, standing on concrete floors of dairy barns many hours per day, rubber boots over shoes) and athletic shoes. They are the only socks I have ever worn that actually make my feet FEEL better. For use in hiking boots I prefer the heavier weight version, however.
For daily shoes I wear a lot of barefoot/minimal shoes. When I originally got these, I thought they'd only be good when I break out mid-hikers. I was pleasantly surprised that while they do have the light cushion, they still worked with my barefoot shoes. This is my second pair of Smartwool socks that have the light cushion, and I really like that little bit of extra padding, it makes being on my feet for long periods of time much easier. The grey color is nothing exciting, but that's okay with me. If you're wanting a more fun design, this is not the pair for you.Being the light cushion, and only crew length, they will not be replacing any of my winter boot socks when winter comes back in, but I'm looking forward to having them in my rotation and hiking with them ... MoreFor daily shoes I wear a lot of barefoot/minimal shoes. When I originally got these, I thought they'd only be good when I break out mid-hikers. I was pleasantly surprised that while they do have the light cushion, they still worked with my barefoot shoes. This is my second pair of Smartwool socks that have the light cushion, and I really like that little bit of extra padding, it makes being on my feet for long periods of time much easier. The grey color is nothing exciting, but that's okay with me. If you're wanting a more fun design, this is not the pair for you.Being the light cushion, and only crew length, they will not be replacing any of my winter boot socks when winter comes back in, but I'm looking forward to having them in my rotation and hiking with them this summer. #SmartwoolLove
Years ago I purchased a bunch of Smartwool Classic Hike light cushion crew socks in taupe color. Absolutely loved them, wore like iron. Actually wore them for years until the heels started wearing out. Threw them out one sock at a time till they were all dead. 100% satisfied and wanted to buy more of them!Had one heck of a time finding them. Looked and looked, no luck. I THINK they stopped making them for a bit. Finally gave up and order DarnTough socks to replace them. Great socks, but they were a little too tight on my feet, like to wiggle my toes and really could not. Then ordered a size larger but then they were too long. Sent them all back.Then I was looking on Backcountry website and there they were, the Smartwool Classic Hiker Crew sock in Taupe, oh happy ... MoreYears ago I purchased a bunch of Smartwool Classic Hike light cushion crew socks in taupe color. Absolutely loved them, wore like iron. Actually wore them for years until the heels started wearing out. Threw them out one sock at a time till they were all dead. 100% satisfied and wanted to buy more of them!Had one heck of a time finding them. Looked and looked, no luck. I THINK they stopped making them for a bit. Finally gave up and order DarnTough socks to replace them. Great socks, but they were a little too tight on my feet, like to wiggle my toes and really could not. Then ordered a size larger but then they were too long. Sent them all back.Then I was looking on Backcountry website and there they were, the Smartwool Classic Hiker Crew sock in Taupe, oh happy day! BUT, I did not remember exactly what cushion style I had with the original socks, ended up ordering twice but finally figured out that it was the light cushion style. The new sock is now supposed to be partially made with recycled material. Wasn't too keen on that but willing to give it a try.Socks arrived and they looked just like my original pair, nice! Put them on and they definutely felt different, less dense is the best way to put it. I thought it may by because of the reclaimed material. But I was willing to give them a try. Was hoping with washing the cushion material would matte down a bit and get "denser". And I'm happy to say that is just what happened. You have to remember that my image of my old socks was after wearing them for litterally years, they were well matted! When new they probably felt the same way.The problem I have with the new socks was unexpected, it's not the sock material, it's the stitching. I bought 10 pair so I would not run out again. All washed and in a box on my closet shelf. Grab one off the top when I need a pair and when washed they go back in the box on top again. So the top socks get more wear/washing than the bottom ones. In the time I've had these socks, ordered 2/16/23 many of them have had the stitching on the top cuff come apart so you end up with a "roll" of sock at the top, not a flat band. It's happening to the point that I think they will all eventually do it. Also, I've had one, maybe two socks have the stitching on the toe seam fail, just a little bit, maybe just under 1/4" long? I still wear the socks as the toes do not stick out, but it should not be happening.Loved my old socks, wore them for many years, never had a single seam or stitch ever fail on them. Would love my new socks just as much if they used better material in the stitching.I have a call into SW to see what they have to say. I'm hoping others have pointed this out and they have upgraded their stitch material.I really dislike giving less than 5 star reviews but had to in this case. Fix the stitching material and this would be a solid 5 star plus sock again.Wade
A few years back I bought my first pair of Smartwool socks and I was so impressed they are the only ones I buy now. They're a comfortable fit, provide good cushioning, keep my feet warm in the winter, wick away moisture in the summer and are easy to slip on. And unlike some other hiking socks, these don't lose their form over time. For me they are the best.
I purchased both the full and extra cushion hike crew socks, which allows me to adjust to current weather conditions. Both socks are comfortably padded and warm. I do prefer the previous product packaging/labeling (hiking, trekking, mountaineering), as this is clearer and simpler. Socks can wear out a bit rapidly, but nevertheless Smartwool socks are my favorite and I recommend them.
I was extremely disappointed with these socks. Been buying them since 2008 and it appears they've recently changed the winning formula. They've reduced the wool content and increased the nylon/elastic in addition to, what appears to me, reduced the density of terry loops on the sole of the sock so it no longer has the same cushion feel. I won't be buying or recommending these socks to others in the future.
I never liked wool in any of my clothing. My wife purchased some Smartwool socks for herself for hiking. She loves them, and has a couple of dozen pairs, including some new pairs put aside. I rejected them as they contained wool. I finally gave in to her insisting I try some out. I purchased a pair, and wore them on our next hike. I was a convert. They are the only sock I will wear with hiking boots, all year round.
| Sock Height | Mid Calf |
| About Nightgear | About us |
